Pump Up the Bhangra – BBC4

DJ Bobby Friction explores the the rise and history of Bhangra music across Britain in the 1980s in one-off Pump Up the Bhangra

BBC Asian Network DJ Bobby Friction takes a journey back to his youth in this celebration and history of Bhangra music.

Bobby’s infectious enthusiasm reaches fever pitch when he meets some of his musical heroes.

These include drummer Gurcharan Mall (pictured above, with Bobby, who he likens to Animal from The Muppets).

Bobby also reminisces about bunking off school to go to daytime Bhangra discos, as thousands of Asian teens did in the 1980s.

The DJ laments the fact that Bhangra has never made it big in mainstream culture.

This is despite countless tapes sold in Asian corner shops and it providing the soundtrack to every Asian family party.

A feel-good, toe-tapping extravaganza!

TV Times rating: *****